‘Che Cavolo’ in Italian Means Extra Than Simply ‘What a Cabbage’

44

Parlare italiano (talking Italian) means mastering grammar and understanding all these significant expressions that don’t fairly make sense when translated actually. One all-time Italian favourite is Che cavolo! which interprets as “what a cabbage.”

It could sound bizarre, however there’s a complete vary of expressions in Italian that includes this vegetable. The explanation goes method again and has impressed many idioms and slang that Italians nonetheless use at present.

What does che cavolo imply?

Che cavolo (what a cabbage!) is a well-liked exclamation in Italian slang that replaces stronger Italian swear phrases. Consider che cavolo because the equal of “Oh, come on!” or “What the heck!” in English. It’s a agency expression however gentle sufficient to keep away from offense.

You might be questioning: Why are cabbages used so typically in Italian slang? Traditionally, cabbages have been an affordable, on a regular basis staple when meat, fish, and sure greens have been thought-about luxuries. So, over time, cavolo/cavoli (cabbage/cabbages) grew to become shorthand for one thing insignificant and unworthy.

Methods to use che cavolo in Italian

You’ll hear many quirky Italian idioms involving meals, like Che pizza! (So boring!). Nevertheless, cabbage in Italian is undoubtedly the prima donna, so it’s higher to know methods to use it. Let’s break down the closest translation of che cavolo in English for every scenario.

Che cavolo! (Oh, come on!/Geez!)

This can be a catch-all exclamation whenever you’re simply fed up or issues don’t go your method, like whenever you miss a bus or your loved one Italian espresso machine breaks.

Che cavolo vuoi? (What the heck would you like?)

Saying Che cavolo vuoi? is ideal to blow off steam with out going into full rage mode. The tone is mildly aggressive and doesn’t go well with a proper setting.

Che cavolo stai facendo? (What the heck are you doing?)

Much like the above, when somebody’s doing one thing unusual or foolish, use Che cavolo stai facendo?. It may possibly come off as irritated or sarcastic, relying on the way you say it.

Ma che cavolo dici? (What the heck are you speaking about?)

Heard one thing fully unbelievable? That is your phrase. It’s half disbelief, half sarcasm, and can be used playfully.

Che cavolo è successo? (What the heck occurred?)

This query is good for reacting to chaos! Use it when you spill espresso or for a real-life shock plot twist.

Non me ne frega un cavolo. (I don’t give a rattling.)

Use this phrase to make it clear you couldn’t care much less—with out stepping into full profanity. However thoughts the usage of the verb fregare when it means “not caring.” It’s too road slang for formal conditions.

Extra Italian expressions that use cavolo

There are lots of extra Italian expressions with the phrase “cabbage” which might be used steadily. As you stroll on the traditional cobblestones of Rome, you would possibly hear locals utilizing any of those frequent expressions.

Cavolo!/Cavoli! (Wow!/No method!/Oh, no!)

Utilizing cavolo like this can be a frequent Italian exclamation for shock, amazement, or disbelief. It additionally works whenever you neglect one thing.

Col cavolo! (No method!/Not an opportunity!)

This can be a sarcastic method to reject an thought or suggestion, like “Completely not!” or “Yeah, proper.”

Cavoli tuoi (your drawback)

You need to use cavoli tuoi whenever you don’t need to get entangled in somebody’s questionable choice.

• Sono cavoli tuoi. = It’s your drawback.

Or use it to set boundaries.

• Non sono cavoli tuoi. = It’s none of your corporation.

Una cavolata (one thing silly)

Doing a cavolata is a synonym for doing one thing silly or messing up.

Non capire un cavolo (to know nothing)

When somebody is totally misplaced in a scenario, you’d say non capire un cavolo to point you don’t perceive in any respect.

Cavoli amari (troubles)

This actually means “bitter cabbages” and signifies an disagreeable or tough scenario.

Mi stanno sul cavolo. (I can’t stand them.)

This can be a frequent method to vent about somebody. Remember that it sounds impolite when you say it immediately.

Salvare capra e cavoli. (Having your cake and consuming it too).

The outdated Italian saying “to save lots of goat and cabbages” comes from a medieval riddle: A farmer should carry a goat, a wolf, and cabbages throughout a river on a ship that may solely match certainly one of them. The catch? He can’t go away the goat alone with the cabbages (it’ll eat them), nor the goat with the wolf (identical difficulty, totally different sufferer).

Testa di cavolo (fool)

Saying somebody is a “cabbage head” is playful however nonetheless barely insulting. Use it fastidiously.

Non valere un cavolo (not value a rattling)

If one thing is nugatory or has no worth, that is the best expression to say that with feeling.

Come i cavoli a merenda (actually, like cabbages for a snack)

This can be a non-translatable idiom to make use of when one thing feels misplaced or doesn’t make sense.

Is che cavolo used in all places in Italy?

Whereas all expressions with cavolo are understood nationwide, Italian dialects closely affect native slang. Utilizing expressions like cavolo in on a regular basis conversations is frequent in Northern Italy. Nevertheless, Southern Italians typically choose different methods. For instance, to precise shock, you’re extra more likely to hear a dramatic Miiiiiii! in Sicily or Sorbole! in Bologna. 

With Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion methodology, you’ll shortly perceive and begin utilizing idioms like these. With bite-sized classes, dwell tutoring, and a handy app, you’ll have all of the assist you should be taught Italian and begin talking like a local.